To Serve....

Whew!!  What a busy few weeks!  I returned from Ghana only a week ago, yet it seems like a month ago!  The events of this last week in Japan are just so unimagineable.  The reality of their disaster sure makes anything I am concerned about seem so small.  Before I share more about my trip to Ghana and up-coming plans, I would like to take a few moments to pray for all those affected by the earthquake and tsunami.  Please join me.

Now to Ghana which is so dear to me.  The picture above is of the wonderful group of people who were with me during my last visit to Ghana.  Andrew (back, left) is an EMT from TX, Tom (back, right) is the Group Leader from IHCF, Jessica (front, left) is an accountant currently working with IHCF, and Dr. Fred (front, middle) is a board member for IHCF and a physician.  I watched each member of the team as they worked with compassion and love throughout each day.  Each of us used the gifts which God has blessed us with as we served others.   However.....

Meet Dr. Peter.  He is the physician who sees patients at the Yendi Clinic 5 days a week, every week, for many years.  (I believe he has worked at the clinic for over 20 years, but am not positive.)  I do know that he has not taken time off for a VERY long time.  He serves the people in this area continuously as do many others who are at this clinic.  They work long hours in conditions which many of us have never seen and if we have seen them, it is usually for only a short time....Not day in and day out.....No air conditioning, temps above 100 degrees, minimal supplies and equipment.

Now meet the people of the community.  These wonderful people wait for hours in the heat, sitting on wooden benches or plastic chairs, sick and/or hurting to see the doctor and receive care.  No TV in the waiting room, no coffee or water or pop machine, and no complaining about any of it.  Each waiting their turn patiently. 

You are probably wondering why I believe these things are important for you to know.  I have worked in healthcare for 20 years and I have seen and heard much.  I believe each of us needs to stop every day and be thankful to God for what we have.  We, as Americans, are blessed in so many ways and take so much for granted.  Many of us feel entitled.  We should PRAISE GOD DAILY, HOURLY, EVERY MINUTE for our blessings. 

I Thessalonians 5:17-18  Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

Mark 10:45  For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve others....